Chronic diseases – such as heart disease, cancer and
diabetes – are among the leading causes of death and disability in Whatcom
County. Adopting healthy behaviors such as eating nutritious foods, being
physically active and avoiding tobacco use can prevent or control the
devastating effects of chronic diseases.
Our Healthy Communities program focuses on supporting
these three healthy habits to increase community well-being through
environmental changes, healthy policies and community partnerships.
Health is determined by more than genetics, behaviors and
luck. Individual health is impacted by
both lifestyle choices and environment.
Environments are a complex intermingling of family, social network,
workplace and neighborhood – as well as the social and legal policies that
guide the communities we live in. This complexity requires a comprehensive
approach that can impact large segments of the population simultaneously to
improve the health of all individuals.
“Healthy places are those designed and
built to improve the quality of life for all people who live, work, worship,
learn, and play within their borders -- where every person is free to make
choices amid a variety of healthy, available, accessible, and affordable
options.”
-Centers for Disease Control &
Prevention